Praia do Magoito (Magoito Beach), Sintra

Nestled along the Sintra coast within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Magoito Beach (Praia do Magoito), also known as Pedregal, offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and thrilling coastal activities. Located just north of Sintra, this relatively undiscovered beach is a haven for both locals and adventurous travelers.

Flanked by towering cliffs and featuring a 300-meter stretch of golden sand, Magoito Beach boasts a wild, untamed charm. Its rich iodine waters are reputed to be some of the most iodine-concentrated in Europe, making it a unique destination for health-conscious visitors. Geology enthusiasts will marvel at the 10,000-year-old consolidated dune, a geomonument that speaks to millennia of interaction between wind and sea. These cliffs also reveal sedimentary rock layers formed millions of years ago, a striking reminder of a time when the sea level was significantly higher.

Though remote and off the beaten path, Magoito Beach is equipped with modern conveniences. Access is via the Estrada de Santa Marta, where parking spaces are available. Visitors can reach the beach via a staircase or a ramped wooden walkway, ensuring accessibility for people with reduced mobility. The beach’s facilities include a restaurant with breathtaking views, offering glimpses of Cabo da Roca on clear days and operating even outside the official bathing season.

Magoito Beach offers something for everyone: consistent waves and multiple peaks for surfers and bodyboarders, a Good Friday mussel-picking tradition cherished by locals, ample sand and scenic beauty for family retreats, and rugged cliffs with turquoise waters for nature lovers and photographers.

Located in a pristine environment free from pollution, Magoito Beach provides an idyllic retreat. The steep descent into the valley is rewarded by its stunning vistas and the tranquil atmosphere of this untouched coastal treasure.